Report of Women’s Network in Colombia

Report of Women’s Network in Colombia

Progress Report: Red de Mujeres (Women’s Network), Colombia
September 2006 through February 2007

The Women’s Network in Colombia has been active in its efforts to empower Colombian women by recognizing their abilities and skills and helping to develop them so they may be useful in the support of their families and themselves.  In addition to helping women develop and strengthen their own capacities for economic support, the Network helps women develop their own understanding of self on a personal and spiritual level, and helps raise consciousness and understanding of the social issues they face and the effects these have on their families.

Progress Report: Red de Mujeres (Women’s Network), Colombia
September 2006 through February 2007

The Women’s Network in Colombia has been active in its efforts to empower Colombian women by recognizing their abilities and skills and helping to develop them so they may be useful in the support of their families and themselves.  In addition to helping women develop and strengthen their own capacities for economic support, the Network helps women develop their own understanding of self on a personal and spiritual level, and helps raise consciousness and understanding of the social issues they face and the effects these have on their families.

The Network goes into different geographical regions and provides services to the particular craft-makers and women working in agriculture/livestock of the region.  In some areas, the Network works with women in the areas of crafting shoes and dolls by helping to provide additional artisan training, providing basic materials for craft continuity and micro-business establishment, and basic small business management support.  In other areas, the Network works with groups of women who raise pigs and poultry, while still in others the women dedicate themselves to providing basic hygiene items such as soap and towels to families in need.

The Network strives to strengthen women’s spiritual leadership by providing biblical and theological training for improved spiritual development.  These training events are offered to women from an ecumenical perspective and are open to women from any Christian denomination.  Women are encouraged to share inter-denominationally and are encouraged to be active participants of the Women’s Network.  These events offer much motivation to women and bolster personal confidence and local congregational involvement.

Yet the work of the Network is not without challenges.  As more women participate the need for more training and support becomes necessary.  This is especially so in the areas of developing sustainable incomes for women who have fallen victim to the many types of violence so rampant in Colombia.  There is the need to diversify so that not all women in one region dedicate themselves to the same micro-businesses and form harmful competition.  Developing this diversity, in both urban and rural areas, includes the development of baking and vegetable gardening on small and large scales, fish farming and marketing, and production of products for personal hygiene and home cleanliness.  These all require more substantial initial investments of funds, time, and effort.  In all regions the women need more training in marketing and planning, both skills needed to make and keep their efforts sustainable.  These efforts are needed not only on an individual basis but also on a larger scale so communities can come together in aid and support of each other and for the provision and distribution of these goods for community benefit.

In addition to the above, the Network is also providing assistance to mothers of young children through small scale feeding programs for children eight years and younger.  This is a service that not only helps the mothers while they are going through their training but also provides valuable nutrition to the children, most of whom would do without otherwise.

The Network continues to grow in the five regions it serves.  The Network goes into the “red zones” of the country where women are in most danger of violence and where their basic rights are most at risk.  There the Network provides orientation, spiritual support, and give them hope of a better tomorrow for their children.   In these areas the Network is preparing workshops that speak to abuse of all kinds, especially the sexual abuse rampant among the children of Colombia.  The Network continues to work with churches to provide advocacy efforts against the violation of human rights.  Communication is difficult given that in many areas advocating for these rights places the Network leaders in personal peril.  The Network Coordinator must move within these regions with care and gauge the most appropriate times of travel in order to secure her safety. 

Notwithstanding the perils, the Network still hopes to bring its efforts to regions not yet available to it.  With the continued support of Global Ministries and the women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) the Network has grown and reached many women who did not have a source of support and hope.  Since 2002 the Network has worked diligently to carry the hope of a worthy and meaningful life forged by them as they participate in the production initiatives offered by the Network.  Thank you for your moral support, prayers, and gifts.  May they continue as we work for peace and justice in Colombia.

Blessings and gratitude,
National Coordinator
Women’s Network – CEDECOL
Committee on Life and Peace